A Complete Guide to Grand Targhee Skiing and Lifestyle
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Grand Targhee Resort, located on the western slope of the Tetons, is known for its powder and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a mountain that flies under the radar compared to its crowded neighbor, which is why we love it. If you're looking for deep snow and a genuine Western experience, the "Ghee" is where you need to be. Furthermore, with over 500 inches of annual snowfall, you're practically guaranteed to score. This TGR guide will walk you through planning a trip to this Teton Valley gem.
Getting There: Fly In and Drive Over
The quickest way to get to the powder is to fly. You have three main airport choices, depending on your preferred travel style.
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): Located in the middle of Grand Teton National Park, JAC is the nearest option. It offers a stunningly scenic drive that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the resort.
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): A bit further, IDA is just over a two-hour drive to the resort. It is a viable alternative, particularly if you find better flight deals.
- Salt Lake City International Airpot (SLC): Located about 4.5 to 5-hours away, SLC is an option for those seeking cheaper flights.
Once you land, shuttle services like Ride GTR offer round-trip transportation from Jackson and Teton Village directly to the resort. Alternately, a rental car provides the most flexibility, especially for exploring the local towns of Driggs and Victor, Idaho.
Slope-Side Lodging and Cozy Stays
Where you sleep can make or break a trip. Grand Targhee offers convenient on-mountain access, and the surrounding Teton Valley provides more secluded, local options.
- Grand Targhee offers three main ski-in/ski-out lodging options: Targhee Lodge, Teewinot Lodge, and Sioux Lodge Suites. These properties place you right near the lifts, so you can transition from bed to powder with minimal effort. The Sioux Lodge Suites and The Tower Suite are excellent choices for families or larger groups.
- Vacation Rentals (VRBO/Airbnb): For a genuine home-away-from-home experience, look for vacation rentals. Many private homes and condos are available along Ski Hill Road (providing closer access to the resort and shuttle stops) or in the town centers of Victor and Driggs. This is ideal for groups or anyone looking to cook their own meals.
- Teton Valley Resort (Victor, ID): A fantastic option for families, this resort offers a variety of accommodations from log cabins to covered wagons and lodge rooms. It provides easy access to the Targhee shuttle stop in Victor.
Pro Tip: Guests staying at the resort’s lodging can save money by adding discounted winter lift tickets at checkout. This often makes bundling your stay and tickets the best value.
The Terrain: A Mountain for Everyone
Grand Targhee is the Tetons' Powder Promise. With an average of 500+ inches of light, dry snow annually, the mountain is perfectly balanced for the progression-oriented skier and rider. A full 90% of the terrain is dedicated to Intermediate through Expert challenges, ensuring there is endless room to grow. About 10% of the mountain offers gentle, beginner-friendly runs for those just starting out or looking to build confidence before tackling steeper terrain.
The Main Mountain: Finding Your Rhythm
Grand Targhee's strength is in its massive, uncrowded intermediate and advanced zones, making it an ideal place to find your flow in the powder.
- Intermediate Sweet Spot (45%): The vast intermediate terrain, served by the Dreamcatcher and Sacajawea lifts, features wide, cruisy runs that are groomed. This is the perfect low-angle pitch to learn how to float and turn in powder, find your rhythm, and build the necessary confidence for steeper terrain.
- The Glades & Steeps (Advanced): The upper reaches of Fred's Mountain offer phenomenal, challenging glade skiing and steeper tree shots essential for graduating to expert status.
Expert Terrain: The Colter Lift Game-Changer
The installation of the Colter Lift on Peaked Mountain redefined Targhee's expert experience, replacing the old cat-skiing zone with high-speed, lift-served big-mountain terrain.
- Peaked Mountain (15% Expert): The Colter Lift, a high-speed six-pack, unlocks sustained vertical drops, steep open shots, and deep powder stashes that were previously difficult to access. This is where you'll find Targhee at its absolute steepest, with runs that hold the legendary Teton powder for days after a storm.
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The Backcountry Cache: Hike-To and Open Gates
For the experienced, equipped, and educated rider, Targhee's setting is a unique gateway to endless challenge beyond the boundary.
- Mary's Nipple (In-Bounds Hike-To): This famous zone is accessible from the top of the Dreamcatcher lift. It offers a taste of exposed, highly challenging, big-mountain terrain within the ski area boundary—an excellent place to test your mettle before venturing out.
- The Teton Sidecountry (Beyond the Gates): Grand Targhee maintains an Open Gate Policy to the adjacent Jedediah Smith Wilderness and Teton Canyon. The Colter and Dreamcatcher lifts provide some of the best access points. This terrain is not patrolled and is Expert-Only, requiring full avalanche safety knowledge, training, and equipment (beacon, shovel, probe).
Après and Dining: Fueling the Stoke
You’ll need to refuel after a deep day chasing the Teton powder.
- The Trap Bar & Grill: This is considered the hub of all things après-ski up at the resort and a local favorite. It’s a laid-back, local spot famous for its "world-famous" nachos, burgers, and cold microbrews. You can catch all the action sports highlights on one of their eight flat-screen TVs.
- Citizen 33 (Driggs, ID): A popular spot in town known for its locally-inspired comfort food and extensive selection of craft beer on tap. It’s a favorite among the local riders for its energetic, welcoming atmosphere.
- Provisions (Driggs, ID): Offering a more refined, farm-to-table dining experience, Provisions is the place to go if you're looking for an upscale dinner with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Non-Ski Activities: Embracing the Winter Wonderland
The fun at Grand Targhee isn't limited to downhill turns. TGR athletes are known for diverse interests, and this resort offers plenty of ways to enjoy the Teton winter.
- Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing: Grand Targhee has a network of trails for both Nordic skiing and fat biking. You can rent the necessary gear at the resort.
- Snowshoeing: Take a peaceful, slower-paced journey through the snow-covered forests surrounding the resort.
- Sleigh Rides: For a relaxing family activity, glide through the Wyoming winter landscape in a horse-drawn sleigh.
- Wellness and Relaxation: For a little Zen on the mountain, book a slopeside massage from Shine Physical Therapy & Wellness.
Whether you’re looking for deep-snow or a winter getaway, Targhee is the destination to push your limits and make memories.
